Austin, Texas Guide During Austin Food & Wine Festival

Each year in April, Austin Food & Wine Festival descends upon the city and puts on one of the best events of the year. This years marks the eighth year of this annual festival which showcases over 100 chefs, restaurants and wine & spirits experts over three days.

While the main festival events take place on Saturday April 27th & Sunday April 28th, there are events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, making it truly a full weekend affair. Events throughout the festival include cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs, pitmasters cooking over an interactive Fire Pits, a live fire experience from Contigo Catering & friends, tastings from local restaurants & beer/wine/cocktail tastings, live music (and the legendary end of day dance party!), book signings, and more. While this year’s festival is sold out, each year the Weekender ticket which includes Saturday & Sunday festival access is $250 per person.

Due to the festivals amazing downtown location (at Auditorium Shores and Fair Market) and the Austin Food & Wine Festival being a destination within itself, I thought I would put together my Austin Travel Guide focusing purely on my favorite spots within walking distance or a short Uber ride from the festival!

Arguably the most *swoon worthy* hotel in Austin, this hidden (literally) gem houses only 14 accommodations and the grounds are only open to hotel guests keeping it very exclusive. Located right off of South Congress, this gorgeous oasis is still close to all of the action and nearby the festival.

Hotel Van Zandt’s prime Rainey Street location not only lends itself as a hotspot for live music and an amazing meal or cocktails at Geraldine’s, but also an ideal place to rest your head. See more in my blog post on Hotel Van Zandt here!

Located in the 2nd Street District and next door to the famed Austin City Limits music venue, W Austin is the perfect choice for those who want to see & be seen. The rooftop Wet Deck pool is a great place to cool off in the Texas heat, and drinks in the Living Room or brunch at TRACE is always a good choice.

Book your stay at Four Seasons Austin with Passport To Friday (anytime of the year) and receive daily breakfast for two in TRACE, $100 spa credit, upgrades & more!

WHERE TO DINE

ATX Cocina: Modern Mexican with a great happy hour 7 days per week & amazing homemade tortillas.

Rainey Street: Too many great spots on Rainey Street, so I suggest walking around and checking them all out! I specifically like the craft cocktails at Clive Bar, the space at Lustre Pearl, and Sunday Funday at Icenhauers.